desktop

1 of 2

noun

desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp How to pronounce desktop (audio)
1
: the top surface of a desk
also : an area or window on a computer screen in which icons are arranged in a manner analogous to objects on top of a desk
2
: a desktop computer

desktop

2 of 2

adjective

: of a size that can be conveniently used on a desk or table
desktop computers
compare laptop see also desktop publishing

Examples of desktop in a Sentence

Noun The desktop was covered with books and stacks of papers. He created a new folder on his desktop. Adjective She is working on a desktop video project.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The energy required to manufacture the average desktop computer could run a refrigerator for about 467 days, while the energy to produce a smartphone could charge that phone 5 to 6 thousand times. Ken Colburn, The Arizona Republic, 29 Sep. 2024 These are all chips made for laptops; no company has released a desktop processor that meets the requirements. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 27 Sep. 2024
Adjective
There are also desktop clients for Linux, Mac, and Windows, plus apps for Android and iOS. PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2024 Making matters worse, fewer people have this hardware due to the general shift from desktop computers to laptops. Andy Patrizio, Ars Technica, 11 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for desktop 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'desktop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of desktop was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near desktop

Cite this Entry

“Desktop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/desktop. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

desktop

1 of 2 noun
desk·​top ˈdesk-ˌtäp How to pronounce desktop (audio)
1
a
: the top of a desk
b
: an area on a computer screen in which items are arranged as if on top of a desk
2
: a desktop computer

desktop

2 of 2 adjective
: of a size that is suitable for use on a desk or table
a desktop computer

More from Merriam-Webster on desktop

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